New trailers provide needed facilities for pets during emergencies

Lexington has new trailers to provide temporary shelters for pets during a community emergency, Mayor Jim Gray announced today.

“As we’ve seen in other communities, many people refuse to leave their homes for a shelter during emergencies because shelters usually cannot accommodate pets. That can be dangerous,” Gray said. “Now, Lexington has two trailers to provide temporary shelter for dogs and cats during a declared emergency.”

The Division of Emergency Management, in cooperation with the Lexington Humane Society and Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control, has two trailers filled with animal sheltering and care equipment. During a declared emergency, staff and volunteers from the agencies will set up shelters, as needed.

“We’ve been working on this for a long time,” said Patricia Dugger, Director of the Division of Emergency Management. “The first trailer was a cooperative effort with many agencies, coordinated by the Lexington Humane Society, Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control, and the American Kennel Club. The second trailer was purchased through the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program.”

The newest trailer is a portable kennel, with individual cages for 40 small- to medium-size pets. Powered with its own generator, the 26-foot trailer is heated and air conditioned. It also has an onboard water supply and sink. The heavy-duty trailer is designed so the kennels can be easily washed and sanitized after use. A holding tank allows for proper disposal of waste water.

Outside of emergency use, the trailers will be used by the Lexington Humane Society and Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control, when needed. “We are pleased to have this animal sheltering and care equipment to utilize for training exercises to ensure quick and safe deployment if the need ever arises ,” said Animal Care and Control Chief Nathan Bowling.

The Lexington Humane Society will also utilize the trailer for large adoption events. “The Lexington Humane Society, with its strong community presence, looks forward to utilizing this beautiful trailer in adoption events to help promote adoption as the best option when looking for a new pet. Please watch for us throughout the community and as always, Adopt Love from the Lexington Humane Society,” said Humane Society Manager of Development Ashley Hammond.

Do you know someone who may need some extra help during an emergency? Are you wheelchair bound or on oxygen? Fill out your information here and our responders will be able to give you priority assistance.